Gwendolyn Hill Wall, 77, fought through the last of her nine lives at her home surrounded by those she cherished the most on Wednesday evening, March 5, 2014.
Gwen was born in Breckenridge, Texas on February 14, 1937, to the late C.T. and Geraldine Hill. She was Valedictorian of her Junior High and High School Graduating class in Breckenridge. After graduation she attended Abilene Christian University and went on to pursue a career as a Laboratory Technician.
Gwen devoted her life to her three children and grandson, who have all been deeply inspired by the love she gave. She was always so thoughtful and gracious, placing others needs before her own.
Gwen was involved in many activities throughout her life. She loved to paint and pursued many artistic endeavors including knitting, crocheting and mosaics. She was an avid Trapshooter and was known to many as “The Fastest Finger in the West.” She also had a deep love of animals which she passed on to her children.
Gwen is survived by her son, Andrew Wall and his wife, Heather of Waxahachie, Texas; her daughter, Andrea Owens and her husband, Glenn of Krugerville, Texas; her daughter, Heather Wall-Mullins and her husband, Brian of Waxahachie, Texas; her grandson, Justin Wall of Waxahachie, Texas; and her beloved cats, Chubby and Alexa. She is also survived by her sister, Joe Barker of Krum, Texas; and her cousin, Tom Stanfill of Oklahoma City.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Caregivers that took such loving care of Gwen and to everyone at Bristol Hospice Pathways.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that you make a donation in Gwen’s memory to Tails of Hope Pet Rescue, PO Box 132, Forreston, Texas 76041.

Thelma Clark Batson passed away on Sunday March 9th, 2014 in Melvern, Ark. Funeral services will be Thursday, March 13th, 2014 in Little Rock, Ark under the direction of Roller-Drummond Funeral Home.

Freddie Mae Willis, 72, went from labor to reward on March 5, 2014. Wake: Monday, March 10, from 7-9 p.m. at Wade Chapel COGIC, 101 Palmyra Rd., Palmer, Texas. Service: Tuesday, March 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Ennis Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 800 E. Freeman St., Ennis, Texas. Survivors: her children, Terrie Willis, Annie Hall (Michael), Randy Willis (Denita Gail) and LaShan Willis (Bobby), 22 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, 9 sisters, 4 brothers and a host of relatives and friends.
Services Entrusted to, Golden Gate Funeral Home, 4155 S. R.L. Thornton Frwy, Dallas, Texas 75224, 214-941-7332

Bryan Edward Allen was born April 19, 1984 in Dallas, Texas and was called home to be with the Lord on March 12, 2014.

A memorial service will be Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at the Higher Trails Cowboy Church in Merit with Rev. Randy Bird officiating.  All arrangements are made with Coker-Mathews Funeral Home.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

He was a loving son, brother, uncle, father and cousin.  He is survived by his sweet daughter, Bryleigh Allen and the love of his life, Amanda Wilson.  Grandmother Bobbie Allen, Grandmother Billie Mackery, Father James and wife Debi Allen, Mother Sherry and husband Chuck Mills, Sister Carissa and husband Ian Smith, nephew Drew and niece Laney Smith, Sister Tiffany and husband Josh Taylor and nephew Nolan Taylor.  Uncle Tommy and wife Sue Allen, Aunt Brenda and husband Frank Smith, Aunts Debbie Lyons, Christi McCuiston, Tonya Keller, Sonya Marrs, Misty Suchey and Uncle Robert Benners and their families. Step brothers, Brandon Slovak and his wife Samantha and Joshua Slovak and his wife Whitney.

Bryan was passionate about music, law enforcement and his sweet, wonderful daughter Bryleigh whom was the sparkle in his eyes.  Bryan was purpose driven and determined in his actions always striving to be the best at whatever he did.

Although we only had Bryan for a short time, his passion for life and the love for his family will live with us all forever.  Those that were closest to Bryan were blessed to have experienced what a wonderful person Bryan was and we are looking forward to the day when we will join him in Heaven.  Until then, we will carry Bryan in our hearts and carry on his passions to ensure his legacy.

A trust fund is set up for Bryan and Bryleigh Allen at the Independent Bank of Farmersville, 223 McKinney St., Farmersville, Texas  75442.

Mary J. Rollo, 64 passed away on March 17, 2014. Funeral services are pending with Eternal Rest Funeral Home, 215 N. Dallas St., Ennis, TX. 75119, 972-875-2393.

Edward Furr, 80 passed away on March 17, 2014. 

Funeral services are pending with Eternal Rest Funeral Home of Ennis, 215 N. Dallas, Ennis, Tx. 75119, 972-875-2393.

Victoria Annie (Laza) Garcia, 86 of Red Oak, Texas passed away Friday, March 14, 2014 in Italy, surrounded by her loving family.  She was born to the late Rudolph and Annie (Barak) Laza on April 22, 1927 in Alma, Texas.

Victoria was a proud graduate of Ennis High School in 1945.  She enjoyed traveling, camping, gardening and fishing.  She loved to bake and everyone enjoyed her delicious pastries and goodies.  She loved competing at the State Fair of Texas, winning Best of Show for her lemon pie and carrot cake.  Victoria was a member of the KJZT in Ennis.  One of her favorite things to do was spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  She leaves behind so many who will forever miss her and love her.

She is survived by her children, LeRoy Garcia and his wife, Linda of San Antonio, Nancy Winslow and her husband, Kenelm of Grapevine, Kenneth Garcia and his wife, Cindy of Carrolton, Elaine Smith and her husband, Gary of Ennis, Mary Ann Saur and her husband, Martin of Igersheim, Germany, Pete Garcia and his wife, Lisa of Waxahachie, Joe Garcia and his wife, Kim of Waxahachie and John Garcia and his wife, Cathy of Waxahachie; she is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, David Garcia and his wife, Naomi, Jennifer Garcia, Sandra Evans, Dana Brooks, Kency Winslow, Megan Garcia, Andrea Victoria Saur, Rona Garcia, Pete Garcia, Hunter Garcia, Samantha Garcia, Justin Garcia, and wife, Lizzie, Jacob Garcia and wife Erica, Jaren Garcia and wife, Molly, Jernee Garcia, Jaydee Garcia, Joelee Garcia; and 13 adored great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Garcia; her daughter, Linda Easton; by her parents, Rudolph and Annie (Barak) Laza ; and also her brother, Rudolph Laza, Jr.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 20, 2014 at the Pat Boze Memorial Chapel of Wayne Boze Funeral Home with Father Henry Drozd serving as Celebrant.  Interment will follow at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at Wayne Boze Funeral Home, with a Rosary Prayer service at 7:00 p.m.

http://www.waynebozefuneralhome.com/

Clara Freeman, age 87, of Ennis passed away on March 17, 2014.  She was born on June 27, 1926 in Bardwell, Texas to Grover Dennis and Bessie Folsom (Williams) Howard.    She married Joseph Henry Newman in Avalon, and retired from Lucent Technologies after 25 years.  She liked working crossword puzzles, and playing bingo. Clara was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and will be greatly missed.

She is survived by 2 sons, James Howard Newman and wife Karen of Waxahachie, Texas, and Royce Wayne Newman and wife Patty of Sparta, Wisconsin; 2 daughters, Glenda Davis of Lawton, Oklahoma, and Carol Ware and husband Owen of Poetry, Texas; grandchildren, Lisa, Shelly, Todd, Joshua, Brandy, Gretchen, Jacob, Steve, Craig,  Amy, Clinton, Amanda and Heather; great grandchildren, Tad, Tabitha, Jackson, Shyanne, Tyler, Luke, Maddie, Slade, Brittany, Alex, Ryan, Dylan, Tristian, Tori, Lauren, Morgan, and Ivy.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 sons, Charles and Larry Newman; daughter, Jonell Newman; granddaughter, Sheila Hammock; brothers, Robert and Eddie Howard; sisters, Olivia Fletcher and Lorraine Claxton.

The family will receive friends from 12 noon to 2 P.M. on Thursday, March 20, 2014 at Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral home in Ennis, Texas.

A Graveside Service will follow at Elm Branch Cemetery in Bardwell, Texas.

To view an obituary or sign the guest book, please visit www.bozemitchellmckibbin.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home, 800 S. Kaufman, Ennis, Texas. 972-878-2211

Carolyn L. Cox, 64, passed away in Ennis, Texas on Tuesday, March 18, 2014.

Services are pending with J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

www.jekeevermortuary.com

Geneva Ann Lewis passed from this life on March 24, 2014 in Duncanville, Texas.  She was born on October 19, 1934 in Waxahachie to Edgar and Mary Elizabeth (Sims) Fuller.  

She is survived by her loving brother Tommy Fuller and his wife, Sue, one niece, Susan Fuller Barnica, and her husband, Scott, two granddaughters, Wendy Lewis and Brandy Lottman and her long-time friend and companion Wayne Evans.  Geneva was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Lewis, her sons, Micheal and Scott Lewis and her parents Edgar and Mary Fuller.

Services are to be held at Boze-Mitchell McKibbin Funeral Home, 800 S. Kaufman, Ennis,Texas at 11A.M. on Wednesday, March 26, 2014, with interment to follow at Myrtle Cemetery in Ennis, Texas.

To view an obituary or sign the guest book, please visit www.bozemitchellmckibbin.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home, 800 S. Kaufman, Ennis, Texas. 972-878-2211

Alafrank Ingle Shaw, daughter of Bertha Cooke Ingle and Eddie Walker Ingle, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2014 in Ennis, Texas at the age of 102.

Alafrank was born on May 18, 1911 in the Bethel farming community west of Ennis, Ellis County, Texas. She graduated from Ennis High School in 1929 with a class of sixteen students.

On December 28, 1929 she married Hubert Lawson Shaw of the Bethel Community. Although a home wedding was planned, the ceremony actually took place in a 1920’s model car due to inclement weather. During her lifetime, Alafrank enjoyed the hobbies of sewing and crocheting when she wasn’t involved with work on the farm. Later she was employed as a seamstress for Donovan-Galvani Clothing in Ennis. She had a great interest and took pride in her ancestry. The Bible was very important to her, and she spent part of most days reading Scripture and discussing it with her visitors. Alafrank was a member of the Church of Christ on Country Club Road.

Alafrank is survived by her daughter, Wanda Shaw Eckeberger; her son, Morris Shaw, and his wife, Duane Shaw; and her daughter, Barbara Shaw Bailey, and her husband, Olen Bailey, all of Ennis.

She is also survived by six grandchildren, Danny Lawson Eckeberger and wife, Eileen; Lynn Eckeberger and wife, Everell; John Eckeberger and wife, Alisa; Scott Shaw and wife, Melinda; Brad Bailey and wife, Christine; and Susan Bailey Adams and husband, Robert Adams. Seventeen great-grandchildren and twenty-one great-great grandchildren survive her.

She was a loving-special Auntie to her niece, Camille Emmert McClanahan; and her nephews, Gayle Emmert, David Emmert, and Wallace Emmert. Alafrank thoroughly enjoyed communicating through visits or by telephone with her loved ones including her many cousins and friends and other relatives. Alafrank was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in November 1984; a sister, Ruth Ingle Emmert; and a brother, Raymond Ingle; and her beloved son-in-law, Jack Lynn Eckeberger.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 25, 2014, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the J. E. Keever Mortuary. The celebration of Alafrank’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. in J. E. Keever Mortuary Chapel of Ennis with Lynn Eckeberger and Scott Brazell officiating. Serving as pall bearers will be Brad Bailey, Paul Eckeberger, Micah Eckeberger, Ben Eckeberger, Joseph Shaw, and Gary Davis. Honorary pall bearers will be Bill Kinzie, Bob Beakley, Al Batten, and Jerry Linker. Interment will follow in Myrtle Cemetery in Ennis with John L. Sullivan officiating under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

www.jekeevermortuary.com

Rex Spurgeon, Jr. age 62, passed away April 5, 2014 at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, surrounded by loved ones.  He was born on February 24, 1952 in Corsicana, Texas to Rex and Kitty (Threet) Spurgeon.  Rex had a wonderful childhood and grew up with family and friends in and around Ellis and Navarro counties.  He attended Rice Schools, graduating from Ennis High School and Navarro College.  Rex was employed as a Distribution Manager at Siemens for 25 years and continued his career, retiring from Trelleborg Wheel Systems in 2011.

Rex enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fisherman and hunter; and joked about his golf game.  He enjoyed hunting trips in the mountains with his family and friends, fishing on many lakes in Texas, and family vacations.  He was known for having the best stories and telling the funniest jokes.  A newfound interest was researching his family history with his beloved Aunt Hope.

Rex is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Donna, along with their adored daughter Robyn, and special son Bryan Vitovsky and wife Evette of Ennis. He is also survived by his caring mother, Kitty Spurgeon, along with sisters, Toni Butler and her husband Jerry, and Gladys Zapletal and husband Martin; brothers, Larry Spurgeon and his wife Peggy, Steve Spurgeon, and Larry Honza and wife Jimmie.  He is also survived by adored nieces and nephews; Amy Palmer and husband Jay, Todd Butler, Nicholas Spurgeon, Jeremy Butler and wife Linda, Adam Zapletal, Scott Honza and wife Kayla, Tyler Spurgeon, and Paxton Spurgeon; one great niece Addison Butler and special “grandchildren” Aubrey, Ashlyn, Avery and Braydon Vitovsky. Rex also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends plus “Man’s Best Friend”, his dog, Lexi.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rex Spurgeon, Sr.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, beginning at 6:00 P.M. with the reciting of the Rosary at 7:00 P.M. at Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Ennis.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Fred Caldwell at 10 A.M. on Thursday, April 10, 2014 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church.  Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Ennis.

Serving as pallbearers will be Adam Zapletal, Todd Butler, Nicholas Spurgeon, Jeremy Butler, Tyler Spurgeon, Scott Honza, Jay Palmer, and Nathan Franks.  Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Bryan Vitovsky and Braydon Vitovsky.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, The Ellis County SPCA, or a charity of your choice.

To view an obituary or sign the guest book, please visit www.bozemitchellmckibbin.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home, 800 S. Kaufman, Ennis, Texas. 972-878-2211

Marilyn Sue Bernal was called home to our Heavenly Father on April 1, 2014.  Marilyn was born at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma to Harry and Geneva Pietrowicz.

Marilyn is survived by her only son, Clint Bernal, one sister Thelma Pietrowicz of Oklahoma and three brothers Daniel and Linda Pietrowicz of Georgia and Eddie and Jerry Pietrowicz of Oklahoma.  She is survived by many nieces and nephew who will miss Aunt Marilyn (Tia).

Marilyn was excited to being a first time grandmother and she will live on through her grandchild.

Services were held Saturday, April 5, 2013 at Eternal Rest Funeral Home in Ennis, TX.  She will be greatly missed by her co-workers at Wal-Mart, her many friends that she has made over the years working always in Ennis.  A benefit fund is being set up and details will be published at a later date.

Jimmy Mendez, of Ennis, TX, passed away on Saturday night April 12, 2014.

Arrangements are under the care of Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Ennis, 800 S. Kaufman Street, Ennis, Texas 75119.

Donald King Simonson was born December 31, 1958 in Huntington Beach, California to Wayne Simonson and Bette Jane Harrington Simonson and rode into heaven April 11, 2014. Don grew up in Fort Dodge, Iowa then moved to Texas and worked in the manufactured home industry, first at Nationwide Housing Systems, Inc. from 1984 to 2000, then as co-owner and president of  King’s Mobile Homes in Rice, Texas, from May 2000 to the present. Don loved motorcycles and was an avid rider and had a zest for life.  He attended the Cowboy Church of Ellis County. He was always helpful and was kind to everyone he met. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Don’s remaining loved ones include his sons Tyler Don and Dalton King Simonson of Waxahachie; the mother of his children, Cindy Simonson; half brother, Dick Simonson; business partner, Cathy Jackson; his god daughters, Presli and Makenzie Jackson; and all his family at King’s Mobile Homes. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Bette Simonson.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 PM Thursday evening, April 17, 2014 at the Boze Mitchell McKibbin Funeral Home in Waxahachie.

Services are scheduled for 11:00 AM, Friday, April 18, 2014, in the Chapel of the Boze Mitchell McKibbin Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at the Waxahachie City Cemetery. The family requests that everyone attending dress business casual for the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to be made to Tyler and Dalton’s college fund. Contributions can be sent to Cindy Simonson, 7830 Mavis Ave., Waxahachie, TX 75165.

To view an online obituary or leave the family a personal tribute, please visit our web site at www.bozemitchellmckibbin.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Waxahachie, 511 W. Main Street, Waxahachie, Texas 75165.

Vicky Martinez, age 83, passed away in Ennis on April 22, 2014.  She was born on April 23, 1930 in Mexico to Preciliano and Valentina (Ramirez) Martinez.  She was a member of Refiners Fire Ministries; a loving Mother, grandmother and great grandmother; and she will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Juana Godinez and her husband Cipriano of Ennis; grandchildren, Susano Martinez, Robert Martinez, David Godinez and his wife Christina, Daniel Godinez and his wife Jamie, Alejandro Godinez and his wife Tisha, and Cristina Godinez, all of Ennis; great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Alexis, Marrisa, David, Jr., Kylie, Daniel, Jr., J.R., Damien, Adam, Joshua, Victoria, Rocelyn, Dasha, Elyse, Mason, Havier, Christian, and  Emma; 3 sisters, Juana, Francisca, and Antonia.

Victoria is preceded in death by her parents; companion, Enrique Salazar; and brother, Seberiano Martinez.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Ennis.

A Service will be held at 10 A.M. on Friday, April 25, 2014 at Boze-Mitchell-Mckibbin Funeral Chapel in Ennis.  Burial will be at Myrtle Cemetery.

To view an obituary or sign the guest book, please visit www.bozemitchellmckibbin.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home, 800 S. Kaufman, Ennis, Texas. 972-878-2211

Leticia Cazares, 78, passed away in Mansfield, Texas on Sunday, April 20, 2014.

Leticia was born in Coahuila, Mexico on December 11, 1935 to Benjamin and Virginia (Hernandez) Garza. She grew up in Palau, Coahuila, Mexico and attended Palau Schools. On September 20, 1952 she married Esteban Cazares and they made their home in Palau before moving to Kaufman in 1962, and then to Ennis in 1975.

She worked for Story Manufacturing for many years as a seamstress. She attended the Refiner’s Fire Ministries International. She enjoyed sewing for her family and loved being with her family.

She is survived by two sons: Esteban Cazares, Jr. and Joe Cazares; five daughters: Irma Soto, Yolanda Mozqueda, Maricela Zambrano, Virginia Cowan and Chelsea Cleaver; twenty-four grandchildren: seven great-grandchildren and one sister, Maria Luisa Gauna.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Esteban Cazares, Sr. and son, Jose De Jesus Cazares.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the J. E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis. A Celebration of her life will take place on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 2 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel of Ennis. Interment will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery of Ennis under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

www.jekeevermortuary.com

Scot L. Ramsey, 85, passed away in Ennis, Texas on Monday, April 21, 2014.

Scot was born in Ennis, Texas on September 5, 1928 to Franklin R. and Anna M. (Gerault) Ramsey. He grew up in Ennis and attended Ennis School. On May 2, 1952 he married Cynthia J. Blakely and they made their home in Ennis. They later moved to Pearl Mississippi and moved back to Ennis in 1995.

He worked for Ennis Business Forms for over seventeen years, was the co-owner and operator of C&S Vending for over ten years, for Jackson Vending for over thirty years and was currently working for the Ennis ISD as the crossing guard for Crockett School. He was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of over sixty-one years, Cynthia J. Ramsey; son, Edward R. Ramsey and wife, Susan; daughter, Sherry Leigh Musmar; five grandchildren: ten great-grandchildren: three sisters; Ann McCreless, Marga Ray Moreland and Florence Sellers along with several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Nicholas Ramsey and one great-grandson, Johnathan Ramsey.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary of Ennis. A Celebration of his life will take place on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 10 a.m. in the Tabernacle Baptist Church of Ennis with Rev. Todd Gray officiating. Interment will follow in the Myrtle Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

www.jekeevermortuary.com

Robert C. Braun, 91 of Waxahachie, passed away Friday, April 11, 2014 in Italy. He was born to the late Carl and Elsie Stoehr Braun on July 29, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois. Robert loved to sing and was hard working. He was a great dad, husband, and friend. He will be forever missed and continually loved. He is survived by his daughter, Ann Braun Shanks and her husband, George of Waxahachie; his son, Steven Robert Braun of Dallas; and his nephew, Dennis C. Kent of Austin. He was preceded in death by his lovely wife, Gladys Braun; also by a sister, brother and his parents. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 24, 2014 at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery with Dennis Kent officiating. www.waynebozefuneralhome.com

Loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and loyal friend to many, Helen Bennett went to be with the Lord on April 19, 2014. Born on May 9, 1925, in Palmer, TX to the late Dorothy Davis Hamblen and Aulton B. Hamblen, she is also preceded in death by her only brother, George W. Hamblen, grandparents George W. & Jenny Curtis Hamblen, and O. B. & Alice Huffaker Davis, all of Palmer. Helen attended Palmer High School and graduated in 1942, followed by attending Cozzene’s Business School for Court Reporting and continuing education at Southern Methodist University. She worked at North American Aviation in Grand Prairie during WWII. She also held a secretarial career for many years working for LTV Corporation in Dallas. Helen joyfully served various communities as a proud volunteer: The Dallas Arboretum, Parkland Hospital Gift Shop, Board of Directors at Cedar Creek Lake Library in Gun Barrel City, TX, and the Cedar Creek Lake United Methodist Church Food Pantry. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)/Sarah Maples Chapter. Helen Jean married the love of her life, Donald Martin Bennett, Sr. (deceased) on May 22, 1951 at Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas. She is survived by her four children and families; daughter Dee Leone of Dallas, son Donald Martin Bennett, Jr. and wife Donna Bennett of Palmer, twin daughters Martha Jean Bennett and husband Rick Scotto of Dallas, and Dinah Lou Kelley and husband, Bill Kelley of Houston. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; Dominique Leone and Sarah Leone of Dallas, Melanie Bennett Reynolds and husband Andy Reynolds of Waxahachie, Rachel Bennett Kennison and husband Ben Kennison of Waxahachie and Patrick Martin Kelley of Houston, Caleb Reynolds, Noah Reynolds, Sophia Reynolds and Avery Dawn Kennison of Waxahachie. First cousin survivors include Dick Davis and wife Rina Davis of Corpus Christi, Dana Davis Petersen and husband Tracy Petersen of Albuquerque and Anne Davis Sanders and husband Alton Sanders of Houston. Funeral service for friends and family members will take place at 3:00 pm on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at Restland Wildwood Chapel. Immediately following, graveside services will be held at Garden of the Cross. Helen’s grandson, Dominique Leone, will provide beautiful music representing the celebration of her new life with the Lord. Helen’s faith in Jesus Christ was strong and she loved the Lord with all of her heart. With deepest, unending affection, your children offer our most heartfelt, “we love you most,” Helen Jean Hamblen Bennett. We miss you with all of our hearts, now and forever. Memorial donations may be made to the Cedar Creek United Methodist Church Food Pantry at 903-498-3402.